The Houses October Built begins with a recognizable and, yes, inauspicious scenario for a found-footage picture: five friends set out on a journey, and this is the filmed record what befell them along the way. The nature of their trip, however, is exciting and tantalizing: they plan to visit the most notorious haunted houses throughout rural Texas and Louisiana in the days leading up to October 31st. Their ultimate dream is to find the "Blue Skeleton," a mythic underground haunt said to push the envelope further than any other. It changes locations every year and can only be found by chance or through whispered rumors. This is a playful, solid, and often creepy fright film elevated by the on-location photography at various haunted houses and hayrides, the names of which can be found in the end credits. It captures and pays spirited tribute to the autumnal atmosphere and grotesque showmanship prevalent at such events. As for the characters, they are sympathetic as far as they go, though the scenes of their rowdy antics in the RV between haunts run a tad long. The atmosphere and the season are the real stars here, and they deliver.

B